Iraq Commander Insists Full Victory in Fallujah ‘Days’ Away

Several days after Iraqi PM Hayder Abadi announced that the Fallujah offensive was being put on hold, Iraqi military officials continue to insist that they are winning a sweeping victory in the city, and that full liberation is just “days” away.

Officials had previously indicated, repeatedly, that the troops were at the southern edge of Fallujah and wouldn’t enter until all of the civilians were safely out. Some 50,000 civilians are estimated to be in the city, with the few that have escaped facing torture by pro-government militias.

Lt. Gen. Saadi’s comments claimed that the offensive was still ongoing and troops were entering into southern Fallujah, a claim which is contradicted not only by the PM’s order pausing it, but the Badr Brigade’s leadership, which has criticized the lack of progress in the battle.